WRAL Sets New On-Air Anchor Assignments

Capitol Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WRAL Raleigh, N.C., announced on-air anchor lineup changes. Longtime anchor Debra Morgan extends her 30-year run on the anchor desk, moving to daytime, and continuing to helm the anchor desk for WRAL News at 5 and 6 p.m.

Beginning May 25, Morgan will shift her role, coming off the anchor desk at 7 and 11 p.m. and shifting to the new dayside schedule.

WRAL News Director Rick Gall emphasized the impact Morgan has on the newsroom: “While working a shorter day, there’s no doubt that Debra will remain fully engaged in editorial discussions, breaking news, continuous coverage, big events, community appearances, etc. She’s played a huge role in our success over the years, and we look forward to more of that.”

Continuing to anchor beside Morgan on the anchor desk is another longtime WRAL News journalist: Gerald Owens. The two anchors combined have 50-plus years as the on-air “faces” of WRAL News.

“Debra and Gerald have been a part of a team of journalists who create the most watched newscasts in the Triangle, and we are thrilled Debra will continue to help lead that team,” said WRAL VP-GM Joel Davis. “Historically, WRAL has benefitted by introducing new team members while our veterans are leading the way, and that will be the case again here.”

Joining the WRAL News team is anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe who comes from WKBW Buffalo, N.Y., where she worked as a weekday anchor. Prior to Buffalo, Rowe worked for CTV News in Toronto. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. Her first day on air will be May 25.

Rowe will primarily anchor the 7 p.m. newscast with Dan Haggerty and the 11 p.m. newscast alongside Owens.

Haggerty, Lena Tillett and Chris Lovingood will continue their current assignments on WRAL News at 4, 5:30, 7 and 10 p.m. and Mark Boyle continues as the evening WRAL Live Center anchor.